What do you feel are the walls or barriers between Christians and the world?
BARRIERS
1. Ungodly character
Titus 2:11-12 (NLT) 11For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God,
Titus 3:1-2 (NLT) 1Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good . . . and show true humility to everyone.
1 Peter 3:9 (NLT) 9Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.
1 Peter 3:11 (NLT) 11Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.
2. Unwholesome chatter
Titus 3:2 (NLT) 2They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle. . .
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) 29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
1 Peter 3:10 (NLT) 10For the Scriptures say, “If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies.
3. Undesirable care
1 Peter 3:8 (NLT) 8Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
John 13:35 (NLT) 35Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
4. Unfocused concern
More concerned with what others will think than with what God thinks.
1 Peter 3:13-15 (NLT) 13Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t be afraid and don’t worry. 15Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
Barriers 1-4 really are just some of the blocks of the barrier between Christians and the world. The foundation of the barrier, what holds up those blocks is;
5. Unplugged Christians
Titus 3:4-6 (NLT) 4But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. 5He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. 6He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Acts 1:8 (NLT) 8But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
As we allow the Holy Spirit to knock down the barriers, Scripture says the world will be drawn to Christ through our lives.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT) 15Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
Encompassing verse
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) 7For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
1 Peter 3:12 (NLT) 12The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
Jesus isn’t the barrier, He’s the Bridge.
